Meet ‘White Rhino’ — The Most Expensive Pit Bull Ever Sold

Many people think a pit bull is a specific breed, but it is actually a blanket term for a few breeds that share similar appearances, origins, and temperaments. There are four types of pit bulls, American bully, American pit bull terrier (red and blue nose), Staffordshire bull terrier, and American Staffordshire terrier. Unfortunately, because criminals use these breeds in dog fighting, they have developed a bad reputation as aggressive dogs, but they are actually anything but if raised properly. So, what is the most expensive pit bull ever sold? The answer is going to shock you!

The Most Expensive Pit Bull Ever Sold

Shockingly, the most expensive pit bull ever sold was an American Bully called White Rhino. This incredible specimen sold for a whopping $250,000, which is not a usual price for this breed. White Rhino is the offspring of Kracker Jack and Ghost, both from Miekland Kennels. Other famous American Bullies sired from Kracker Jack include:

• Cali Kingpin’s Bomba
• Black Dice
• Bully Bear
• Escalade
• Gottyline’s Nicky
• Nitro DNA-P
• Salara

Mikeland Kennels are notorious for breeding family-orientated Bullies with max body width and big square heads. American bullies are usually compared to the English bulldog, American bulldog, and bull terrier. However, this breed is a descendant of the American pit bull terrier. As time passed, they became so distinguishable that people started to consider them their own breed. As a result, the American bully is a newer breed, first developed in the 1980s. Furthermore, they were only recognized by the UKC in 2013. They are slightly shorter than the American pit bull terrier, but their bodies are predominantly wider than any other type of pit bull.

Other Types of Pit Bulls

There are four types of pit bulls, each with its own unique qualities, temperaments, and price range. They include:

Blue Nose American Pit Bull Terrier

The blue nose American pit bull terrier is exactly the same as a red nose pit bull, except they have blue noses. Furthermore, their eyes, nose, and lips are gray or blue. This unique color is easily identifiable, even when they are still pups. However, besides their gorgeous coloring, they are exactly the same as an American pit bull terrier. But they cost much more, especially if you buy from a reputable breeder. In addition, they have a smaller gene pool, so a lot of inbreeding takes place, especially among backyard breeders.

Their unique coloring is a result of low melanin levels. Furthermore, this is the pigment in charge of coloring in any living system, including people. Unfortunately, a lack of melanin (caused by the recessive gene) creates extra health concerns—for example, skin allergies, eye conditions, heart disease, decreased immune system, and an increased chance of cancer. These are all the reasons why you should always support a reputable breeder, as they do frequent health screening on all their dogs.

Cost

The blue nose pit bull can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000. They are generally more expensive due to their unique quality and because they are so rare.

Red Nose American Pit Bull Terrier

The red nose American pit bull terrier derived its name from its red nose. In addition, they have an earthy brown or copper coat, usually red, fawn, brown, or chestnut in color. Interestingly, this breed also has red eyes, lips, and toenails. While the red nose American pit bull is rarer than the American pit bull terrier, they are the same in every other way. Unfortunately, the recessive gene that causes their red pigmentation is linked to a few health concerns faced by this breed. For example, backyard breeders may inbreed to increase the chances of the offspring being red-nosed, which makes them more money. As a result, many pups are born deformed or mentally challenged. It also causes poor health and genetic defects.

Cost

The typical cost for a red nose American pit bull is around $1,000. However, they can cost as much as $3,000 if they descend from a top bloodline. Therefore, if you see a red nose advertised for less than $1,000, it’s probably a scam or an unreputable breeder.

American Pitbull Terrier

The American pit bull terrier is the most common of the four breeds. It’s the dog many people believe is the original or only pit bull. Unfortunately, the AKC does not recognize this breed. However, the UKC (United Kennel Club) does recognize the American pit bull terrier. These dogs have managed to maintain their breed type for over 150 years. Therefore, the UKC considers the American pit bull terrier a purebred.

Once these pit bulls arrived in America, farmers and ranchers quickly noticed their skill, athleticism, and obedience. Soon, American pit bull terriers were employed as hunters and herders on many ranches and farms. However, they soon traded in work for companionship and quickly became family dogs. These pit bulls are one of the tallest of the four, so they usually appear more athletic.

Cost

American pit bull terriers can cost between $500 to $5,000. However, if the pup comes from premium lineage, the price can go up to $55,000! The price differs significantly because of their lineage and if they are purebred, as many hybrids exist. One of the most expensive American pit bull terriers is Hulk, a 175-pound beast whose price can reach a whopping $55,000.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire bull terrier is one of the most sought-after dog breeds in Great Britain. However, they are not quite as popular in the USA, as they rank 80^th on the most popular breed in America. All major Kennel Clubs, like the UKC and AKC, recognize the Staffie. These dogs are described as brave, clever, and tenacious. Furthermore, they are affectionate and very good with children. Additionally, the Staffie is the smallest of pit bulls, sometimes only measuring seven inches in height. The Stafford bull terrier is the perfect breed for people looking for a pit bull but doesn’t have enough space to house one.

Cost

The average price for a Stafford bull terrier is approximately $2,000 in the United States. But, their price does vary depending on location, breeder, and lineage. Therefore, these dogs can cost as much as $3,000.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is also known as the AmStaff. The UKC does not recognize this breed, but they are recognized by the American Kennel Club. They aren’t the most sought-after breed in the US; they only rank 85^th on the most popular dog breed list. However, alternative research suggests that the AmStaff is more popular than records imply, as many owners do not register them for confirmation or breeding purposes. The American Staffordshire terrier has served three American presidents, making them relatively well-known in the US. Furthermore, they are one of the most decorated war dogs in the country.

Their sweet nature makes them fantastic family companions. While they might look muscular and intimidating, AmStaffs are actually incredibly gentle and loving. They are amazing with children and get along with other pets as long as they have been socialized from a young age. Furthermore, they are eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. However, they are not the best guard dogs. The American Staffordshire terrier is often confused with the American pit bull terrier.

Cost

The average cost of an American Staffordshire terrier is around $750. However, if you purchase one of these pups from a reputable breeder, expect to pay between $250 to $1,500.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rock City Kennels / CC BY 2.0 – License / Original